-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A single-engine airplane made an emergency landing on a California highway Sunday morning , though no major injuries were reported , authorities said .

The Piper Comanche 260 carrying a married couple landed on the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 101 .

The Piper Comanche 260 carrying a married couple landed on the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 101 just outside Santa Barbara and a few miles from the airport , said California Highway Patrol spokesman Officer James Richards .

The plane 's engine quit , and as the pilot descended , he lost control of the plane and landed in the southbound lane facing oncoming traffic . The plane struck two vehicles while landing , then spun and hit another one with its tail , Richards said .

One vehicle passenger was treated for minor injuries , he said . No other injuries were reported .

The landing happened at 10:36 a.m. -LRB- 1:36 p.m. ET -RRB- and held up traffic for less than two hours , Richards said .

He added that the plane had departed Temecula in southwestern Riverside County , California , and was destined for the airport in Santa Barbara , a flight of about 180 miles .

The pilot told authorities that he attempted to switch fuel lines during the flight , but was unable to restore power to the plane . He said he alerted a tower at the airport that a landing on the highway was imminent , Richardson said .

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Piper Comanche 260 carrying a married couple landed on U.S. Highway 101

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Plane 's engine quit , pilot lost control ; landed in south lane facing oncoming traffic

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Plane struck two vehicles while landing , then spun and hit another one with its tail